[Jon]

I agree with the overall sentiment (and wonder if the previous phone line model brought in more people who would normally never apply to be on a quiz). Also worth remembering though that the value of the prizes has roughly halved since Fiona Wheeler due to inflation.

I think the problem even existed with the original version after the initial buzz had died off, with FFF first lines ups mainly being middle class males and now famous quizzers appearing on FFF multiple times. I suspect that was partly down to professional syndicates becoming involved who knew how to game the system. But at least then you still had a variety of professions represented.

But with being able to cast the contestants, the casting should be strong. Sometimes it feels like it’s cast so Clarkson doesn’t look down on contestants.